Virtual Learning Support FAQs

• What is the start date?

  Tuesday, September 8, 2020

• What are the sessions and time ranges available?

  AM Session 1: 8:30AM - 1PM
  PM Session 1: 1 - 3:30PM
  PM Session 2: 3:30 - 6PM

• Where is the location of the Virtual Learning Support Program?

  The program is located at the Madison Area YMCA Family Center at 111 Kings Road, Madison, NJ 07940.

• How will the children be grouped?

  Children will be in pods of no more than 25. Each pod will be comprised of students that attend the same school. Schools will not intermingle.

• Who are the Counselors?

  Our counselors are trained individuals, both full-time and part-time YMCA employees. Many of these individuals worked within our summer camp program and are fully trained in working with children, cleaning and disinfecting protocols and much more.

• Will children need to wear masks?

  Children will be required to wear masks, following school policies and procedures for New Jersey. There will be mask breaks throughout the day. Masks will be permitted to be removed during snack, lunch and when drinking water.

• Explain how virtual learning and homework will be supported for AM Session 1 and PM Session 1.

  Children will be working on assignments posted by their school for virtual learning each day in both sessions. Time has also been allotted during PM Session 1 to continue with any incomplete virtual learning component or to work on homework assignments. If your child appears to be having difficulties completing an assignment without direct instruction from a YMCA staff member, a note will be placed on your child’s assignment letting you know.

• Can you make sure my child completes their virtual work?

  At this time, YMCA staff is not able to check each individual’s assignments for accuracy as we are not in a one-to-one environment. Please be sure to review virtual work and homework with your child when they return home. Our trained staff will help guide the children through their virtual work and offer assistance on an as needed basis. Please be aware that our staff are not responsible for work that is incomplete or inaccurate. Please be assured we do our very best to ensure children have assistance and explanation of material when needed! We are working closely with the schools so we can be fully informed of the most up to date curriculum.

• What will the children do in PM Session 2?

  We are in the midst of planning some fun, social activities while also maintaining physical distancing including non-traditional sports, arts and crafts, science experiments, reading and more. During this time children will also be able to work on homework or to finish any assignments that haven't been completed. All children will be encouraged to finish school work before starting fun activity electives.

• How will payments for the program be handled?

  Your payment for the School Age Virtual Learning Support Program will draft automatically weekly on Sundays. If you choose to withdraw from the program or make any changes, you must submit your request in writing to Associate Childcare Director Katie Koontz at KKoontz@madisonymca.org 14 days prior.

• Is Before Care available?

  At this time, due to current state guidelines, we are not providing Before Care. The program kicks off for the day at 8:30AM for AM Session 1.

• Is transportation available?

  At this time, due to current state guidelines, we are not providing transportation to and from school. Parents and Guardians must pick up their child(ren) from school and bring them to the Family Center.

• Is lunch and/or snacks provided?

  Lunch and snack are not provided. Please have your child(ren) come every day with a lunch and snack. They will have lunch at the beginning of PM Session 1. Please pack an additional snack if you are signed up for all three sessions.

• Can my child enroll in fall programs at the Family Center?

  Yes, all children can enroll in programs at the Madison Area YMCA Family Center. The program time must be during PM Session 2 (3:30-6:00PM). A YMCA staff member will walk your child(ren) to their class at the class start time and sign them out of the School Age Program. Once their class has concluded, a parent/guardian will be required to pick them up from the class. Child(ren) will not be permitted to return to the School Age Virtual Learning Support Program after attending a YMCA class.

• What should my child bring?

  Please bring:
  
  

  • A Spare Mask
  • Water bottle
  • Lunch (We advise you to pack a lunch that is nut-free due to allergies.)
  • Snack (Please pack two snacks if your child(ren) is registered for PM Session 1 and PM Session 2.)
  • Extra clothes (for young children if you feel they are prone to accidents)
  • Sunscreen (in case we go on a nature walk)
  • Sneakers (No open-toed shoes are permitted.)
  • Headphones (for online learning)
  • Laptop or tablet, including charger
  • School supplies that your child may need for their online learning (pencils, erasers, notebook, etc.).

• What are the drop-off and pick-up procedures?

  Drop-off and pick-up will be at the Family Center parking lot on Kings Road. Details surrounding specific procedures will be released in our Family Handbook.
  
  Your child will receive a temperature check and health screen each day upon arrival and will only be permitted into the program if they pass our screening process. This includes:

  • Temperature is less than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
  • No COVID-19 symptoms exhibited from the child, and members of the household
  • No exposure to anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19
  • Has not traveled to a quarantine state within the past 14 days
  • No fever reducing medication has been given.

• What is the program availability?

  Program availability varies by school. There are state and local guidelines that we must adhere to during this current phase of opening. One of these guidelines limits our capacity intake at this time. We are continuing to follow guidelines from the State of New Jersey, the CDC and the Department of Health, including adhering to a 25% room capacity.
  
  Please contact Associate Childcare Director Katie Koontz at KKoontz@madisonymca.org if you are interested in a spot within our program.